Hello, my name is Fred... or just call me Fred...or "Hello, I'm Fred and this is my wife Lena. These were respectful introductions Fred always used to make us feel at ease. He was always proud to make your acquaintance with a firm handshake and smile. His way of breaking the ice of those he didn't know was to tell them a short story or good class joke. Fred & Lena Meijer, Rich Devos, Jay Van Andel and my father gave us insights into their humanity and humility. Fred though really shined in conversation and his face was aglow. Where didn't matter, but his smile and laughter are sorely missed in the galleries and halls of FMG and outside in the sculpture park. Volunteers and staff miss the elderly senior gentleman passing out Purple Cow ice cream cards.
From what I hear Fred told an Indianapolis man he had 50 years to redeem it, but the man quickly replied, "Fifty years? I'll be with the Lord by then." Fred whipped out another card and said, "Well, in that case, here's one for the Lord, too! Other wealthy friends and acquaintances have yelled across rooms, like Jay Van Andel, Rich Devos, Norman Schwartzkopf, Gen. Colin Powell and even the Netherlands Queen Beatrix got a card. The Purple Cow ice cream cards
became the Meijer's most coveted card worldwide. Fred and Lena gave these cards to my sister and brother-in-law. They got the surprise of their lives when this old senior couple sat down next to them in an Elton John concert and said, "Hi, I'm Fred and this is my wife Lena Meijer."
I've had several cards over the years, but it is redeemable anytime, but to me its a precious keepsake curio from Fred or Lena.
After all I've written about Fred Meijer there is a sadness in volunteers, friends and family. Much was published in the Grand Rapids Press for nearly a week after his death giving glowing accounts of his achievements, but little was said about Lena, the love of his life, but she was the true power behind his successes. To me she should have gotten some praise while still living, because she supported Fred with her love and compassion for others, too. Seems strange that her name isn't as prevalent on buildings and entities, but maybe that's what she wanted. The love of a faithful wife is what propels her man to do great things, but they seemingly didn't share equally the limelight of success. Opposites do attract each other. I thought it strange in the newspaper stories about Fred to separate or cut Lena from his successes.
She fulfilled her role in her husband's life as a companion, lover and partner, to the end of his life. Fred blossomed because of her selfless love. She was his rock, fortress and the driving force that made Fred excel beyond his father Hendrik's wild dreams for his son's success. Fred accomplished whatever his mind could envision. She allowed him to make mistakes for better or worse, but she stood beside her risk taker, and she like most wives didn't always agree. Fred was a driven man (good) and he did his thing, but he listened to others, and he put joy into the lives of others for knowing him. She was his sugar and spice and she saw him rise to the pinnacle of success, but she never let him forget his humble roots of compassion for others using her Purple Cow ice cream cards.
Fred's latest challenge, vision and dream was the new Japanese Garden at FMGSP. He saw the layouts and drawings, but he began to doubt he'd see construction begin and the final phase be completed. Still he had lots of challenges as he pushed his walking stroller down the hall at FMG the Wednesday before Thanksgiving 2011. He wouldn't sit in a wheelchair and let someone else push him. He was self motivated and that's what kept him a mover and shaker all his life. He thought little of himself and more about others. In fact he gave 50% of his investments back to humanity - to benefit people. He never cared for religious teachings. He didn't like it that wealthy Christians tithed only 10%. He saw no benefit in humanity that those with the most gave so little and it is perhaps this that kept Fred and Lena atheists.
When Rich Devos told Lena 'We have to get Fred right with Jesus Christ' well that was mute point, too, because Fred told her years ago he didn't want any religious contact with Christians.
I was at Fred's memorial service at Sunshine Community Church on the East Beltline in Grand Rapids Township. I did so out of respect to Fred's memory.
Dr. Rev. Richard Rheam talked not so glowingly of Fred. Rheam gave no personal comments about Fred. He never spoke about Jesus Christ or religion. I was saddened to hear this at the time, but didn't know the outcome of whether Fred accepted the teachings of Christ before his death and sought salvation or was he just a true agnostic; a person who refuses to believe the existence of God or Salvation through Jesus Christ. Fred with all his heart made good decisions in business...but not so when it came to religion. Rich DeVos tried to make Fred a believer in Christ, but Fred's heart was like stone. Rich associated himself with Fred hoping he could influence or help Fred make better interpretations of religious theology and viewpoints about Salvation. In doing so he was reaffirming his own beliefs. Fred's heart was hardened against religion. Despite this force-field of religious differences they still remained separate business associates and friends. Christ and religion weren't discussed at the memorial service. Those who attended did so out of respect for Fred and his achievements.
Rheam said, "Fred, asked me have I done enough good works?" Sorry, that didn't sound good to my ears and Fred didn't receive Salvation through Jesus Christ. Was our Fred, the humble man, the man who fueled the dreams of others and those he met with friendship acknowledge Christ.
Christ says of mortal man, (Biblical teachings) "No man shall get to heaven by his good works alone" and Fred's statement of 'have I done enough good works' tells me he remained true to his purest beliefs and didn't accept Christ even at death. The bible says, "he that believes in Me shall inherit eternal life." Did Fred become right with Jesus the last few seconds of his life, well Christ tells us that mortal man is, "Not the judge on earth to decide if Fred yes or no went to heaven." Only our Lord knows the truth. Still we are humble of his passing. We miss him, but sad for Lena, who lost the love of her life.
During the memorial service for Fred Meijer, a Grand Rapids Police Officer sang, "Amazing Grace." I felt it was for the public who attended the service. As he sang on closed circuit TV Fred's old truck carrying his casket came rolling down the pathway from FMG going out to the old Farm house for burial in the farm garden. His monument won't be sited until Spring 2012.
As for Fred "Nothing in mortal life beats stronger than the sacrificed heart of a volunteer's volunteer." The sculptures in the beauty of nature he left behind stand as a monument to the man who truly enjoyed living life to the fullest and leaving a piece of his life behind for all to enjoy. The volunteers at the FMGSP learned much from Fred and miss his presence, friendly smile and jovial nature, as well as Lena, family and friends around the world. He left a big foot print that hard to fill.
What is your destiny? Got a dream? Go for it, but it can't be realized without taking risks in people who have money to enjoy it to help others. Time will tell if his children can rise to meet his expectations. How will Fred's legacy in life compare to their own yet unfolding destiny? Don't forget your destiny, too.
Showing posts with label Dream Interpretations or Destiny?. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dream Interpretations or Destiny?. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The Dreams and Destiny of Fred Meijer - 4
Hello, my name is Fred (Meijer). Lots of time when he introduced himself he'd just say simply, "Just Call Me Fred." When he died on November 25, 2011, the day after Thanksgiving, he was about 13 days shy of his 92nd birthday. Now many people would stop working when they reached the age of 65, but Fred was having lots of fun during the last 27 years.
Those in their 30's had a hard time keeping up with Fred. Fred was like a musical watch. It doesn't stop playing. He knew where he was going and what he had to do before he left this earth. He sacrificed himself to help, inspire and educate others. His name appears on many places; hospitals, research institutions, historical building renewals, but one place you'll never see his name was on a religious institution.
Fred was an atheist and religion he lived without. He had no earthly use for religion, but he did theorize that there were positive things in all faiths (the art of generosity and dignity), but organized religions he wanted no part in. This was the only difference between Fred and my father who was deacon and elder in our church; Knapp Street Reformed Church in Grand Rapids Township until the mid 1970's. Dad followed the teachings of the Holy Bible and taught us children the Ten Commandments -- no guessing what is right or wrong. The Holy Bible is our road map to eternal life, but Fred sacrificed his life for his generous giving to others and left this earth an unbeliever. For all his good works he went to Hell, not Heaven, because he wouldn't let himself believe that Jesus Christ could offer him eternal life. Nothing bears his name on any religious affiliations.
Fred believed in Puritanism and as a Puritan/atheist, he regulated his own way of life and that of communities through his own narrow moral code of excellence that ran parallel with Bible teachings, but he wouldn't let himself believe that Jesus Christ had to be his Savior. He didn't let any sinful or corrupting influences or religious affiliations alter or change his life and the course of his own destiny. He carved out his own niche, choices he made, and no religious person or entity was going to tell him about tithing and what to do in regards to his business affairs.
In 1995 an Ada billionaire and prominent religious member of the community was worried about Fred's salvation and told Lena they had to get Fred right with Jesus. Unfortunately that comment fell on atheist ears, too, because Lena wasn't religious and she was told not to talk about such religious nonsense. During a Grand Rapids Press interview when asked who it was Fred declined to name the man. In a precious moment without prompting Fred said "It was Rich Devos," the Amway co-founder.
Devos and partner Van Andel were men of faith, too, who had been told to keep their faith in Jesus Christ by my father in 1959. We make our own way in life. The choices we make in life helps forge our destiny. Fred, Rich and Jay's dreams and destiny came full circle with my dad's past life 36 years later when Rich Devos seeking Fred's salvation - he wasn't getting younger, but despite prompting he remained atheist and wouldn't budge from his anti-religious stance even at death. All he could ask of Dr. Richard Reahm, his close friend and memorial celebrant, was had he done enough good works?
My father loved Jesus Christ with all his heart, mind and soul and kept his faith strong and alive until his death in 1978, but I can remember the day when my dad told Rich and Jay to believe in Jesus Christ. Him first, wives and children next, but keep the faith and their fledgling business built upon their wildest dreams would succeed. Dad was concerned about their salvation, too, in 1959.
I'm going to stop here because the next segment tells how the later two men were influenced and mentored by my father's life and destiny. I don't want to break the story apart. Religion is a matter of where you keep your heart, mind and soul. To achieve your dreams you must associate yourself with people who support you. Fred didn't want any part of religion telling him his business.
Those in their 30's had a hard time keeping up with Fred. Fred was like a musical watch. It doesn't stop playing. He knew where he was going and what he had to do before he left this earth. He sacrificed himself to help, inspire and educate others. His name appears on many places; hospitals, research institutions, historical building renewals, but one place you'll never see his name was on a religious institution.
Fred was an atheist and religion he lived without. He had no earthly use for religion, but he did theorize that there were positive things in all faiths (the art of generosity and dignity), but organized religions he wanted no part in. This was the only difference between Fred and my father who was deacon and elder in our church; Knapp Street Reformed Church in Grand Rapids Township until the mid 1970's. Dad followed the teachings of the Holy Bible and taught us children the Ten Commandments -- no guessing what is right or wrong. The Holy Bible is our road map to eternal life, but Fred sacrificed his life for his generous giving to others and left this earth an unbeliever. For all his good works he went to Hell, not Heaven, because he wouldn't let himself believe that Jesus Christ could offer him eternal life. Nothing bears his name on any religious affiliations.
Fred believed in Puritanism and as a Puritan/atheist, he regulated his own way of life and that of communities through his own narrow moral code of excellence that ran parallel with Bible teachings, but he wouldn't let himself believe that Jesus Christ had to be his Savior. He didn't let any sinful or corrupting influences or religious affiliations alter or change his life and the course of his own destiny. He carved out his own niche, choices he made, and no religious person or entity was going to tell him about tithing and what to do in regards to his business affairs.
In 1995 an Ada billionaire and prominent religious member of the community was worried about Fred's salvation and told Lena they had to get Fred right with Jesus. Unfortunately that comment fell on atheist ears, too, because Lena wasn't religious and she was told not to talk about such religious nonsense. During a Grand Rapids Press interview when asked who it was Fred declined to name the man. In a precious moment without prompting Fred said "It was Rich Devos," the Amway co-founder.
Devos and partner Van Andel were men of faith, too, who had been told to keep their faith in Jesus Christ by my father in 1959. We make our own way in life. The choices we make in life helps forge our destiny. Fred, Rich and Jay's dreams and destiny came full circle with my dad's past life 36 years later when Rich Devos seeking Fred's salvation - he wasn't getting younger, but despite prompting he remained atheist and wouldn't budge from his anti-religious stance even at death. All he could ask of Dr. Richard Reahm, his close friend and memorial celebrant, was had he done enough good works?
My father loved Jesus Christ with all his heart, mind and soul and kept his faith strong and alive until his death in 1978, but I can remember the day when my dad told Rich and Jay to believe in Jesus Christ. Him first, wives and children next, but keep the faith and their fledgling business built upon their wildest dreams would succeed. Dad was concerned about their salvation, too, in 1959.
I'm going to stop here because the next segment tells how the later two men were influenced and mentored by my father's life and destiny. I don't want to break the story apart. Religion is a matter of where you keep your heart, mind and soul. To achieve your dreams you must associate yourself with people who support you. Fred didn't want any part of religion telling him his business.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Dreams and Destiny of Believers - 8
"All the factors say GO, but my heart says NO!" Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee surprised his guests on his Fox News Channel show when he said he won't seek the 2012 Republican presidential nomination. His friends and associates wanted him to run, but after many hours of listening to others and telling his family that the media would pry into their lives his heart said it'd probably be caustic and costly and his love for Jesus Christ was more important. Huckabee in his quiet hours; sleeping, dreaming and after much soulful praying said basically 'I love what I'm doing and I enjoy bringing hope and encouragement to my listeners. I love my Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart' and he for now will abstain from seeking political office.
Many news medias left out the mention of Jesus Christ, but when he said, "NO" he was choosing to stick to his faith Jesus Christ rather than seeking the presidential bid. The television, radio and religious personality had found favor in God and was enjoying his life. Huckabee dashed the dreams of others who would receive payment for political services. Some dreams in life come true and some don't, but what happens to your dreams depends on how much effort you put out to attain your dream, but don't give up on your dreams. Huckabee never mentioned the word 'lucrative' career in show business. That 'lucrative' word was fodder from journalistic tongues. I for one am glad he isn't running, because I enjoy listening to him and his guests on his show and he enjoy his grin while picking his guitar with guests like Ted Nugent. The Motor City madman needs help. Huckabee is a mentor to many people and he enjoys talking with others that have different viewpoints. He loves pickin' and grinnin'.
This weekend I had the opportunity to look at a 2010 pictorial book entitled "365 days" by Todd Reed of Ludington, Michigan. Reed was a photographer for the Ludington Daily News for 23 years and opened his own photography gallery where any person can buy prints of his favorite scenery. The photos in the book are stunning and beautiful and come complete with description of the scenes and camera lenses used to create his expose. He took a stunning photo of the T-38 Talon jet fighter that is perfectly balanced on a pedestal near the entrance to the Mason County Airport. The plane in the photo looks so real; it is a real jet fighter out of commission, but that jet inspires the dreams of others. It inspired him to write that it's always been his dream to really ride or fly in a T-38 jet fighter. He lives and hopes to ride in that plane, but for now he's still waiting.
For many years I've wanted to ride in a Lake Michigan offshore powerboat race. 'I'd like to put the throttle down.' Powerboats rock. For some reason the horsepower thrills me and it isn't just the thrill of impressing others. That's my dream. It still could happen, but if it doesn't I shant be disappointed for God has answered many of my other dreams. You don't always get what you wish for, but you must close your eyes and start dreaming. God can help you reach your dreams. Our dreams are foundations for action and progression along life's journey.
As life progresses there will probably be dream destroyers and destiny quenchers riding your a.. or flaming your mind but don't listen or dwell with those who persecute you. If you are a big dreamer with lots of plans be forewarned they come with hard work and the best dream fulfillment comes when you start at the bottom and work you way up to realize your dream. Meditate daily and seek God's help and your excitement level and energy will rise, but be aware don't get a swelled head or a 'holier-than-thou' persona. Share your dreams with others who share your enthusiasm. Seek God's help and live your life pleasing in His sight. Know God, but dream fulfillment is based upon belief that He put you in your predicament for a purpose. Goals are God-given and God will drive you into the future.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of dreams." To know whether its time to seek your dream depends on if you know God. God gives insights in dreams and God helped Joseph, the son of Jacob to reach his goals. Joseph got himself in trouble with his 11 brothers when they became jealous of the things God revealed to him in his dreams. Innocently he wanted to share his dreams and aspirations with them. Joseph was a highly motivated young man full of God's wisdom and for that reason he knew what he desired in life from many hours of meditating while guarding his father's flock of sheep. He knew the direction of his life and while sharing his insights his many brothers grew to despise him and hatched a plan to kill Joseph and rid their lives. For his effort his dream coat of many colors was shredded to give the appearance a lion had killed him, but at the last minute his brothers sold him to slave traders. The brothers had ridded their lives of the big dreamer, but this was the beginning of Joseph's rise to power. His spirit was unwavering. Joseph didn't give up his dreams so why should you quit because you met a roadblock.
To be a big dreamer takes guts. Joseph knew God and he trusted God and technically Joseph started at the bottom of his dream. He didn't lose his perspectives of his goal and neither should anyone who has big dreams for a better future. To realize dreams we must recognize the motivational aspects of life and cling to available resources. Joseph's mind was programmed not to accept second best. Joseph's brothers lied to Jacob, made false accusations and he spent many lonely days and nights being imprisoned and still his unbending spirit wouldn't die. Dreamers must know their potential in life, but also their limitations. Joseph faced persecution from his brothers and Pontiphar's wife in Gen. 39:7-20, but this didn't get Joseph to change his course in life. Despite family turmoil and tension was on fire for the Lord and displayed his self-assurances to others. He wasn't a pushover.
Even while Joseph was imprisoned he made friends with those who listened to him and he was referred to the Pharaoh. Joseph was a man of positive image and this paved his way for success when he was 40 years old. Joseph dreamed of become a man of political prominence and when he pictured himself as a ruler someday, well that's when his brothers decided he must go. Joseph's dream became reality and in Egypt he reigned second to Pharaoh. Huckabee's destiny originates from his heart like Joseph's and excludes what others want. Huckabee's 2012 heart told him "NO". His destiny is about life choices and the Holy Spirit directed his dreams and God's promises for the future like in Jeremiah 33:3 and 33:15. Seek your dreams.
I'm tired and hot. Time for bed. Dreams and destiny continues...
Many news medias left out the mention of Jesus Christ, but when he said, "NO" he was choosing to stick to his faith Jesus Christ rather than seeking the presidential bid. The television, radio and religious personality had found favor in God and was enjoying his life. Huckabee dashed the dreams of others who would receive payment for political services. Some dreams in life come true and some don't, but what happens to your dreams depends on how much effort you put out to attain your dream, but don't give up on your dreams. Huckabee never mentioned the word 'lucrative' career in show business. That 'lucrative' word was fodder from journalistic tongues. I for one am glad he isn't running, because I enjoy listening to him and his guests on his show and he enjoy his grin while picking his guitar with guests like Ted Nugent. The Motor City madman needs help. Huckabee is a mentor to many people and he enjoys talking with others that have different viewpoints. He loves pickin' and grinnin'.
This weekend I had the opportunity to look at a 2010 pictorial book entitled "365 days" by Todd Reed of Ludington, Michigan. Reed was a photographer for the Ludington Daily News for 23 years and opened his own photography gallery where any person can buy prints of his favorite scenery. The photos in the book are stunning and beautiful and come complete with description of the scenes and camera lenses used to create his expose. He took a stunning photo of the T-38 Talon jet fighter that is perfectly balanced on a pedestal near the entrance to the Mason County Airport. The plane in the photo looks so real; it is a real jet fighter out of commission, but that jet inspires the dreams of others. It inspired him to write that it's always been his dream to really ride or fly in a T-38 jet fighter. He lives and hopes to ride in that plane, but for now he's still waiting.
For many years I've wanted to ride in a Lake Michigan offshore powerboat race. 'I'd like to put the throttle down.' Powerboats rock. For some reason the horsepower thrills me and it isn't just the thrill of impressing others. That's my dream. It still could happen, but if it doesn't I shant be disappointed for God has answered many of my other dreams. You don't always get what you wish for, but you must close your eyes and start dreaming. God can help you reach your dreams. Our dreams are foundations for action and progression along life's journey.
As life progresses there will probably be dream destroyers and destiny quenchers riding your a.. or flaming your mind but don't listen or dwell with those who persecute you. If you are a big dreamer with lots of plans be forewarned they come with hard work and the best dream fulfillment comes when you start at the bottom and work you way up to realize your dream. Meditate daily and seek God's help and your excitement level and energy will rise, but be aware don't get a swelled head or a 'holier-than-thou' persona. Share your dreams with others who share your enthusiasm. Seek God's help and live your life pleasing in His sight. Know God, but dream fulfillment is based upon belief that He put you in your predicament for a purpose. Goals are God-given and God will drive you into the future.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of dreams." To know whether its time to seek your dream depends on if you know God. God gives insights in dreams and God helped Joseph, the son of Jacob to reach his goals. Joseph got himself in trouble with his 11 brothers when they became jealous of the things God revealed to him in his dreams. Innocently he wanted to share his dreams and aspirations with them. Joseph was a highly motivated young man full of God's wisdom and for that reason he knew what he desired in life from many hours of meditating while guarding his father's flock of sheep. He knew the direction of his life and while sharing his insights his many brothers grew to despise him and hatched a plan to kill Joseph and rid their lives. For his effort his dream coat of many colors was shredded to give the appearance a lion had killed him, but at the last minute his brothers sold him to slave traders. The brothers had ridded their lives of the big dreamer, but this was the beginning of Joseph's rise to power. His spirit was unwavering. Joseph didn't give up his dreams so why should you quit because you met a roadblock.
To be a big dreamer takes guts. Joseph knew God and he trusted God and technically Joseph started at the bottom of his dream. He didn't lose his perspectives of his goal and neither should anyone who has big dreams for a better future. To realize dreams we must recognize the motivational aspects of life and cling to available resources. Joseph's mind was programmed not to accept second best. Joseph's brothers lied to Jacob, made false accusations and he spent many lonely days and nights being imprisoned and still his unbending spirit wouldn't die. Dreamers must know their potential in life, but also their limitations. Joseph faced persecution from his brothers and Pontiphar's wife in Gen. 39:7-20, but this didn't get Joseph to change his course in life. Despite family turmoil and tension was on fire for the Lord and displayed his self-assurances to others. He wasn't a pushover.
Even while Joseph was imprisoned he made friends with those who listened to him and he was referred to the Pharaoh. Joseph was a man of positive image and this paved his way for success when he was 40 years old. Joseph dreamed of become a man of political prominence and when he pictured himself as a ruler someday, well that's when his brothers decided he must go. Joseph's dream became reality and in Egypt he reigned second to Pharaoh. Huckabee's destiny originates from his heart like Joseph's and excludes what others want. Huckabee's 2012 heart told him "NO". His destiny is about life choices and the Holy Spirit directed his dreams and God's promises for the future like in Jeremiah 33:3 and 33:15. Seek your dreams.
I'm tired and hot. Time for bed. Dreams and destiny continues...
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Dreams and Destiny of Believers - 7
Commercial: "When I grow up I'm going to take a road trip," says an older daydreaming traffic line painter riding the tail end of a road painting truck. That guy loves his job, but sounds as if he'd rather be looking at pretty scenery someplace else instead of asphalt. Why wait until you are too old to enjoy the trip? Got a dream satisfy the itch and start your journey. Don't wait until your exhausted along life's journey.
Dreams by day or night, wide awake or asleep are gifts from God to all believers. Dreams come with voices and visions, even recalling fragrances, but be not afraid of what others might think. Just be mindful that some friends or acquaintances may ditz your dream causing your failure to grasp the answers to problems that only God can provide.
God's promises for our life assure our destiny, but he gives us no crystal ball and no guarantees on how long we shall live. We might leave by accident or design. Few men live to be 100 years old and rare is a woman of 110 years. Our dreams can happen at any age, say from 3 to Heaven's gate. Children often see something others do and dream of doing the same thing when older or some vision is stuck in their minds. Television and computers help bring dreams to reality, but to attain our dreams we must keep our eyes on the prize and God and lean not to the understandings of those who criticize our dreams. God stays true to Christian covenants.
Adam in Gen. 3:23 heard God's angry voice when Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden. Two angels guarded the gateway entrance with flaming swords. Never disbelieve the voices and visions in dreams. God shows us the way to realize our dream, but God or His angels want us to heed good tidings and warnings, too. Angelic voices and visions reside from dream visitations. Voices don't always arise from nighttime dreams, but rather when wide awake during the day - you might be a daydreamer. I'm big daydreamer.
Moses in Exodus 3 heard the voice of God while standing before the burning bush on Mount Horeb. The precise spot is unknown, but many Bible scholars believe it was at 7,363 feet near the southern tip of the Sinai. Moses was reluctant to obey God's commands. He tried hard to disbelieve what he was hearing from God. Moses gave God excuses why he wasn't fit to be God's messenger. Moses was afraid he wouldn't be able to explain God or "I Am" to the people. Moses tries to excuse himself saying he isn't worthy or educated, but each time God rebukes Moses lack of confidence and God installs his Truths in Moses' heart, mind and soul. God saved the life of Moses and assured his destiny when he was placed in a floating basket on the Nile River. God answered a prayer to keep him safe, but God had Moses destiny planned for the future. Voices and visions in dreams is a valid communication with God.
When we disbelieve what God wants us to know, well, that's when spiritual warfare commences within our body and mind and it results in bad dreams. It's our inner spirit of what's right and demons of what's wrong fighting a tug-of-war battle between right or wrong according to Biblical truths. It happens because instinctively we know in our heart that what we want is contrary to Christian doctrine. The Holy Bible is a dream manager and a business manual for success, too. Flesh and spirit fight over sinful pursuits and its God's way of supernaturally intervening and making course corrections in our life. Every living Christian person on earth has felt the guilt when what we try to do is contrary to Biblical teachings.
Our heart and soul are in disagreement or flux - the rocky road of life's trials. It's a battle of wits that rages within our bodies both day and night causing bad dreams. Understanding what dreams are telling us is key to whether we obey God's angels with a joyful heart or disbelieve and blame God because our life isn't going where we planned. God dislikes our temper tantrums, but He still loves us. Our outward glow fades when we don't listen to our dream callings. God wants us to be successful in life and prosper. He doesn't demand we stay poor and suffer a miserable earthly existence. Since God is the giver or dreams by all means possible listen to your heart and soul.
If people never had dreams or goals in life we'd all be clothed in animal skins and carrying clubs. The wheel might never have been invented had it not been for a dreamer to make life simpler. Nothing would exist today, including us, if it weren't for dreamers and goal seekers. God desires for us to be happy and not sour pusses because we didn't get our way in life as we thought it should. Problem is mortal man forgets God and Christ when the master he serves is his own selfish greed. Once we become believers of the faith God expects us to heed His teachings and not 'deep six' them when its an inconvenient time in our life.
Bad dreams are the result of us trusting ourselves and doing contrary to biblical teachings. Some dreams come from watching horrible thriller movies before bedtime or falling asleep while watching them, the screaming sounds recording in our minds. Eating too many comfort foods; like greasy potato chips or stuffing ourselves with spicy foods can cause bad dreams, too. In combination with body chemical changes the guilty feelings overcome our subconscious mind the brain's electrical field fights a battle over what's right or wrong. No rest for the weary, but God wants us to have good dreams to rest our tired bodies.
Here's a personal example. I'm a nonfiction free-spirit writer, but for three years I languished over trying to write a fictional romance and mystery book. The topic was non-fictional, but I was uncomfortable writing about the source. My mind and soul were constantly at war over content and what was appropriate responses should be because they were contrary to my Christian beliefs. A battle or right versus wrong raged within my heart and I couldn't shake the bad dreams. God's angels were knocking on my mind's door, but my heart was resisting letting them inside my brain. Needless to say I was trying desperately trying to forget my Biblical truths I had been taught and strained to obey secular world writers. The editors said write what you know, but the only books that sell are those with sexual content, well I'm not a romantic that way, but the demon fighting my decent brain said 'sex in a script sells the book.'
Spirits and demons raged a fierce battle, a tiring battle within my heart and mind for supremacy and that's when I had bad dreams that surfaced more than good dreams. It was God's unique way of adding angel whisperers within my dreams from men of God or those asleep (not dead, but living) in the Lord. Ancient Egyptians in the days of Moses had extensive dream manuals for interpreting the dreams of Pharaohs. The war within me ceased when I stopped trying to appease editors and heeded the warnings in my dreams. I realized God was patient and I was not destined to write a trashy book and harm my good reputation. I turned to writing about dreams about prophetic mysteries where people have been straining to hear how to interpret their dreams. Some might think I'm nuts. God is empowering me to write about dreams and destiny of believers so that others might attain their dreams. It is through dreams that God reminds us of His promises for our lives.
I'm meant to inspire and give you courage and hope. If you have a recurring dream jump into action now before it is too late and your too old to enjoy the life God wants you to have, but remember to serve the Lord, too. God will provide what you need in a troubled world of naysayers who disbelieve in your abilities to achieve great things. Dream achievement and goals in life is hard work, but to realize either you must try with all your heart, mind and soul to achieve the destiny God has planned for you. Energize your priorities and don't sit back and expect God to do all the work. God created your mind and He expects you to use it wisely. Two heads are better than one.
I love harmonizing with Roy Orbison when he sings, "In Dreams" and "Running Scared". I find it easy to sing with him climbing into higher octaves without sounding like a wounded rabbit in the talons of an owl. He had a unique voice range. As always nighttime dreams don't start until...the "sandman appears and we close our eyes and drift away into a magical world..." where we can forget all our daily or nightly stresses and dream about something more pleasurable. Not all dreams are good. Some are downright scary.
It might be our Spirit fighting a fierce demon that is trying to control our lives. Our spirit is in a battle of wits between what's right or wrong. Dreams can be beautiful one moment, sad the next or simply horrifying. Some rise in Technicolor or black and white with voices, visions and we can retrieve the memory fragrances from our childhood - things we hadn't smelled in many years.
Orbison sings, "In dreams, I walk with you; In dreams, I talk with you, In dreams, your mine...and just before the dawn I awake to find you gone," well God isn't gone even when you do something wrong. If you deviate from His destiny for your life He'll put angelic activity in your Holy Spirit dreams, too! Think of it as the progressive calling in your life... your destiny. The dreams and destiny of believers continues... Until next time God bless you for reading my blog.
Dreams by day or night, wide awake or asleep are gifts from God to all believers. Dreams come with voices and visions, even recalling fragrances, but be not afraid of what others might think. Just be mindful that some friends or acquaintances may ditz your dream causing your failure to grasp the answers to problems that only God can provide.
God's promises for our life assure our destiny, but he gives us no crystal ball and no guarantees on how long we shall live. We might leave by accident or design. Few men live to be 100 years old and rare is a woman of 110 years. Our dreams can happen at any age, say from 3 to Heaven's gate. Children often see something others do and dream of doing the same thing when older or some vision is stuck in their minds. Television and computers help bring dreams to reality, but to attain our dreams we must keep our eyes on the prize and God and lean not to the understandings of those who criticize our dreams. God stays true to Christian covenants.
Adam in Gen. 3:23 heard God's angry voice when Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden. Two angels guarded the gateway entrance with flaming swords. Never disbelieve the voices and visions in dreams. God shows us the way to realize our dream, but God or His angels want us to heed good tidings and warnings, too. Angelic voices and visions reside from dream visitations. Voices don't always arise from nighttime dreams, but rather when wide awake during the day - you might be a daydreamer. I'm big daydreamer.
Moses in Exodus 3 heard the voice of God while standing before the burning bush on Mount Horeb. The precise spot is unknown, but many Bible scholars believe it was at 7,363 feet near the southern tip of the Sinai. Moses was reluctant to obey God's commands. He tried hard to disbelieve what he was hearing from God. Moses gave God excuses why he wasn't fit to be God's messenger. Moses was afraid he wouldn't be able to explain God or "I Am" to the people. Moses tries to excuse himself saying he isn't worthy or educated, but each time God rebukes Moses lack of confidence and God installs his Truths in Moses' heart, mind and soul. God saved the life of Moses and assured his destiny when he was placed in a floating basket on the Nile River. God answered a prayer to keep him safe, but God had Moses destiny planned for the future. Voices and visions in dreams is a valid communication with God.
When we disbelieve what God wants us to know, well, that's when spiritual warfare commences within our body and mind and it results in bad dreams. It's our inner spirit of what's right and demons of what's wrong fighting a tug-of-war battle between right or wrong according to Biblical truths. It happens because instinctively we know in our heart that what we want is contrary to Christian doctrine. The Holy Bible is a dream manager and a business manual for success, too. Flesh and spirit fight over sinful pursuits and its God's way of supernaturally intervening and making course corrections in our life. Every living Christian person on earth has felt the guilt when what we try to do is contrary to Biblical teachings.
Our heart and soul are in disagreement or flux - the rocky road of life's trials. It's a battle of wits that rages within our bodies both day and night causing bad dreams. Understanding what dreams are telling us is key to whether we obey God's angels with a joyful heart or disbelieve and blame God because our life isn't going where we planned. God dislikes our temper tantrums, but He still loves us. Our outward glow fades when we don't listen to our dream callings. God wants us to be successful in life and prosper. He doesn't demand we stay poor and suffer a miserable earthly existence. Since God is the giver or dreams by all means possible listen to your heart and soul.
If people never had dreams or goals in life we'd all be clothed in animal skins and carrying clubs. The wheel might never have been invented had it not been for a dreamer to make life simpler. Nothing would exist today, including us, if it weren't for dreamers and goal seekers. God desires for us to be happy and not sour pusses because we didn't get our way in life as we thought it should. Problem is mortal man forgets God and Christ when the master he serves is his own selfish greed. Once we become believers of the faith God expects us to heed His teachings and not 'deep six' them when its an inconvenient time in our life.
Bad dreams are the result of us trusting ourselves and doing contrary to biblical teachings. Some dreams come from watching horrible thriller movies before bedtime or falling asleep while watching them, the screaming sounds recording in our minds. Eating too many comfort foods; like greasy potato chips or stuffing ourselves with spicy foods can cause bad dreams, too. In combination with body chemical changes the guilty feelings overcome our subconscious mind the brain's electrical field fights a battle over what's right or wrong. No rest for the weary, but God wants us to have good dreams to rest our tired bodies.
Here's a personal example. I'm a nonfiction free-spirit writer, but for three years I languished over trying to write a fictional romance and mystery book. The topic was non-fictional, but I was uncomfortable writing about the source. My mind and soul were constantly at war over content and what was appropriate responses should be because they were contrary to my Christian beliefs. A battle or right versus wrong raged within my heart and I couldn't shake the bad dreams. God's angels were knocking on my mind's door, but my heart was resisting letting them inside my brain. Needless to say I was trying desperately trying to forget my Biblical truths I had been taught and strained to obey secular world writers. The editors said write what you know, but the only books that sell are those with sexual content, well I'm not a romantic that way, but the demon fighting my decent brain said 'sex in a script sells the book.'
Spirits and demons raged a fierce battle, a tiring battle within my heart and mind for supremacy and that's when I had bad dreams that surfaced more than good dreams. It was God's unique way of adding angel whisperers within my dreams from men of God or those asleep (not dead, but living) in the Lord. Ancient Egyptians in the days of Moses had extensive dream manuals for interpreting the dreams of Pharaohs. The war within me ceased when I stopped trying to appease editors and heeded the warnings in my dreams. I realized God was patient and I was not destined to write a trashy book and harm my good reputation. I turned to writing about dreams about prophetic mysteries where people have been straining to hear how to interpret their dreams. Some might think I'm nuts. God is empowering me to write about dreams and destiny of believers so that others might attain their dreams. It is through dreams that God reminds us of His promises for our lives.
I'm meant to inspire and give you courage and hope. If you have a recurring dream jump into action now before it is too late and your too old to enjoy the life God wants you to have, but remember to serve the Lord, too. God will provide what you need in a troubled world of naysayers who disbelieve in your abilities to achieve great things. Dream achievement and goals in life is hard work, but to realize either you must try with all your heart, mind and soul to achieve the destiny God has planned for you. Energize your priorities and don't sit back and expect God to do all the work. God created your mind and He expects you to use it wisely. Two heads are better than one.
I love harmonizing with Roy Orbison when he sings, "In Dreams" and "Running Scared". I find it easy to sing with him climbing into higher octaves without sounding like a wounded rabbit in the talons of an owl. He had a unique voice range. As always nighttime dreams don't start until...the "sandman appears and we close our eyes and drift away into a magical world..." where we can forget all our daily or nightly stresses and dream about something more pleasurable. Not all dreams are good. Some are downright scary.
It might be our Spirit fighting a fierce demon that is trying to control our lives. Our spirit is in a battle of wits between what's right or wrong. Dreams can be beautiful one moment, sad the next or simply horrifying. Some rise in Technicolor or black and white with voices, visions and we can retrieve the memory fragrances from our childhood - things we hadn't smelled in many years.
Orbison sings, "In dreams, I walk with you; In dreams, I talk with you, In dreams, your mine...and just before the dawn I awake to find you gone," well God isn't gone even when you do something wrong. If you deviate from His destiny for your life He'll put angelic activity in your Holy Spirit dreams, too! Think of it as the progressive calling in your life... your destiny. The dreams and destiny of believers continues... Until next time God bless you for reading my blog.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Dreams and Destiny of Believers - 6
Oops! I was just getting into the progressive callings in our lives from dreams in number five when I accidentally touched the wrong key and posted my blog before publishing. My dreams and destiny are played out each time I wrestle with writing another blog about a prophetic ministry.
What I'm learning in my Bible studies is how to interpret dreams based upon my dreams and dreams shared by friends and associates. They talk and I listen and its truly amazing how many mortals have been visited by angels in dreams and have heard voices, but were afraid to tell. The Bible contains many passages about Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit whisperers. Many prophets and disciples in the Old and New Testaments experienced visions and voices in dreams or in broad daylight with eyes wide open. Adam in Gen. 3:8 said they heard the voice of God walking in the Garden. As such God has given me the ability to write about the lives and dreams of others and to share God's promises for their lives.
The more I write about dreams and destiny, the more informed I am that people are watching and straining their ears to hear how they can interpret their dreams that come inside their dreams in living color or black and white visions in silence or voices. Personal dream interpretations are up to you and not someone else. You can explain your dream to others if they ask, but never tell them to interpret your dreams, because many will trash your dream or steal it. To not seek the understanding of your own dream is to let negative naysayers kill your dream, before you try to make it part of your life. Disparaging thinkers will kill your dream. If you've got an invention in your mind seek answers and clarifications from God. Ask God for help, pray to Him about the dream and obey what your heart and mind tell you to do. God wants you to be happy and successful, not sad and a failure. He wants you to prosper, not remain poor and struggle. Our Lord will drive you to excel and create something new. Have faith in God and lean not to what others would do.
In Romans 3 it says that God seeks out and saves those who believe in Him and Jesus Christ, because men do not seek God out of their own initiatives. It usually takes someone else to introduce you to God and Jesus Christ. Your dreams are special gifts from God to all believers and to realize your dream He'll push you towards action if you listen. You can't motivate your dream unless God is in the picture. Dreams of destiny reveal your progressive calling in life, but dreams require nourishment; passion, vision and expertise, and God placed dreams in our minds and hearts to honor Him. Don't even consider giving someone else the keys to control and drive your dream. God wants you to achieve your goal or vision. It is you and you alone that must drive your visionary dream. An example: With all your blood, sweat and tears to save up enough money to buy a new car why would you give someone else the keys to drive your new car (dream) in a reckless or irresponsible manner?
If you wonder what we use in life, even in a church, school or business, well, everything we have or see was based upon someones dreams and goals. Without dreamers what might the world resemble? Just remember you can't do everything yourself. Surround yourself with others who believe in you for they will push you forward towards your dream. Just never forget God.
Nourish the dream! Feed it! Pray, but don't badger God, but do seek out possibility thinkers and don't dwell with those who think you are a lunatic or nuts. If your dream vision is stuck in your mind have vision enough to seek your dream. Make the dream live up to your expectations - go ballistic. Next time more dreams...continued.
What I'm learning in my Bible studies is how to interpret dreams based upon my dreams and dreams shared by friends and associates. They talk and I listen and its truly amazing how many mortals have been visited by angels in dreams and have heard voices, but were afraid to tell. The Bible contains many passages about Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit whisperers. Many prophets and disciples in the Old and New Testaments experienced visions and voices in dreams or in broad daylight with eyes wide open. Adam in Gen. 3:8 said they heard the voice of God walking in the Garden. As such God has given me the ability to write about the lives and dreams of others and to share God's promises for their lives.
The more I write about dreams and destiny, the more informed I am that people are watching and straining their ears to hear how they can interpret their dreams that come inside their dreams in living color or black and white visions in silence or voices. Personal dream interpretations are up to you and not someone else. You can explain your dream to others if they ask, but never tell them to interpret your dreams, because many will trash your dream or steal it. To not seek the understanding of your own dream is to let negative naysayers kill your dream, before you try to make it part of your life. Disparaging thinkers will kill your dream. If you've got an invention in your mind seek answers and clarifications from God. Ask God for help, pray to Him about the dream and obey what your heart and mind tell you to do. God wants you to be happy and successful, not sad and a failure. He wants you to prosper, not remain poor and struggle. Our Lord will drive you to excel and create something new. Have faith in God and lean not to what others would do.
In Romans 3 it says that God seeks out and saves those who believe in Him and Jesus Christ, because men do not seek God out of their own initiatives. It usually takes someone else to introduce you to God and Jesus Christ. Your dreams are special gifts from God to all believers and to realize your dream He'll push you towards action if you listen. You can't motivate your dream unless God is in the picture. Dreams of destiny reveal your progressive calling in life, but dreams require nourishment; passion, vision and expertise, and God placed dreams in our minds and hearts to honor Him. Don't even consider giving someone else the keys to control and drive your dream. God wants you to achieve your goal or vision. It is you and you alone that must drive your visionary dream. An example: With all your blood, sweat and tears to save up enough money to buy a new car why would you give someone else the keys to drive your new car (dream) in a reckless or irresponsible manner?
If you wonder what we use in life, even in a church, school or business, well, everything we have or see was based upon someones dreams and goals. Without dreamers what might the world resemble? Just remember you can't do everything yourself. Surround yourself with others who believe in you for they will push you forward towards your dream. Just never forget God.
Nourish the dream! Feed it! Pray, but don't badger God, but do seek out possibility thinkers and don't dwell with those who think you are a lunatic or nuts. If your dream vision is stuck in your mind have vision enough to seek your dream. Make the dream live up to your expectations - go ballistic. Next time more dreams...continued.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
The Dreams and Destiny of Believers - 4
Those who knew Derek Taatjes said he had a larger than life persona and preached every sermon as if it might be his last. It was! He knew life is shorter than you think. Be prepared. Don't wait to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. If he could speak to us this moment from Heaven he'd probably say, 'see, I'm here, so don't wait to accept Him. Why let Satan steal eternal life from your grasp'? Hell will never freeze over.
Youth pastor Derek Taatjes, the young 34-year old died in a house fire with his son and his funeral will be held Wednesday, April 20th at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan on the East Beltline at 11 a.m. Both died last Thursday of smoke inhalation - a smoldering fire in the basement that didn't set off a tested and good battery working smoke detector. It was an unforeseen accident that could happen in any home. Why him? Why the faster pastor on fire for Jesus Christ? Will his death yield fruit of the Spirit during Passover?
I've never met Derek, but from what I heard he was 'blazing hot for Christ'. The fire burning within his heart and mind wasn't orange or blue, but white hot, the hottest flame and he was destined to share his overflowing love for Christ with all who would listen to him praise the Lord. Derek lit a fire in others when nobody else could. With God's help he rocketed towards the Kingdom of God and his sparks ignited the dreams and goals of all who knew him. He had a burning passion for teaching others about God and Jesus Christ. His destiny was God-given and God-driven to achieve his dreams and goals in life. He was an accessible pastor, a man on a mission to save others for Christ and to help them achieve greater things if only they'd listen and learn lessons from his heart to the Father's heart.
Derek, like Joseph, knew their potential and limitations, but the motivation behind them was their love for God and Jesus Christ. Both were motivated by excitement to share dreams and goals. This motivational desire pushed them through life w/amazing speed. Both were positive men of conviction that what they did for mankind and Christ was far better than concentrating on themselves. Equally both didn't acquire instant success. They didn't veer off course when confronted with difficulties or problems. They kept their eyes on God and Christ.
Derek's goals and dreams must have been similar to Joseph's, the last son of Jacob. Both knew God and both lived their lives hoping that what they did pleased His sight. They poured out their heart for others and shared the Good News that Jesus is their Light of the World. God had a purpose for these men of faith. Neither of them took their eyes off Him.
You could say that Derek was a 'faster pastor' and flew by the seat of his pants. His pre-eminence was destined for God's service. He was fulfilling his destiny by fueling and sharing his life with the promises made by God. He lived his life like an open book that was pleasing God and God put him on this earth for His special purpose. Derek's mindset was that of Joseph and both sought foremost the Kingdom of God.
The youth pastor's candle of love for Jesus Christ burns brighter in the eyes of everyone he touched, that includes God and Christ. They won't forget Derek or Christ. Someone somewhere introduced Derek to Jesus Christ and his heart, mind and soul went ballistic for saving the lost. His goal - to save them for the Kingdom of God, an eternity with Him. I am not a pastor. I am a storyteller and what you read is from my heart today. The story continues... about dream interpretations in the Bible and destinies, dreams and goals in life.
Youth pastor Derek Taatjes, the young 34-year old died in a house fire with his son and his funeral will be held Wednesday, April 20th at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan on the East Beltline at 11 a.m. Both died last Thursday of smoke inhalation - a smoldering fire in the basement that didn't set off a tested and good battery working smoke detector. It was an unforeseen accident that could happen in any home. Why him? Why the faster pastor on fire for Jesus Christ? Will his death yield fruit of the Spirit during Passover?
I've never met Derek, but from what I heard he was 'blazing hot for Christ'. The fire burning within his heart and mind wasn't orange or blue, but white hot, the hottest flame and he was destined to share his overflowing love for Christ with all who would listen to him praise the Lord. Derek lit a fire in others when nobody else could. With God's help he rocketed towards the Kingdom of God and his sparks ignited the dreams and goals of all who knew him. He had a burning passion for teaching others about God and Jesus Christ. His destiny was God-given and God-driven to achieve his dreams and goals in life. He was an accessible pastor, a man on a mission to save others for Christ and to help them achieve greater things if only they'd listen and learn lessons from his heart to the Father's heart.
Derek, like Joseph, knew their potential and limitations, but the motivation behind them was their love for God and Jesus Christ. Both were motivated by excitement to share dreams and goals. This motivational desire pushed them through life w/amazing speed. Both were positive men of conviction that what they did for mankind and Christ was far better than concentrating on themselves. Equally both didn't acquire instant success. They didn't veer off course when confronted with difficulties or problems. They kept their eyes on God and Christ.
Derek's goals and dreams must have been similar to Joseph's, the last son of Jacob. Both knew God and both lived their lives hoping that what they did pleased His sight. They poured out their heart for others and shared the Good News that Jesus is their Light of the World. God had a purpose for these men of faith. Neither of them took their eyes off Him.
You could say that Derek was a 'faster pastor' and flew by the seat of his pants. His pre-eminence was destined for God's service. He was fulfilling his destiny by fueling and sharing his life with the promises made by God. He lived his life like an open book that was pleasing God and God put him on this earth for His special purpose. Derek's mindset was that of Joseph and both sought foremost the Kingdom of God.
The youth pastor's candle of love for Jesus Christ burns brighter in the eyes of everyone he touched, that includes God and Christ. They won't forget Derek or Christ. Someone somewhere introduced Derek to Jesus Christ and his heart, mind and soul went ballistic for saving the lost. His goal - to save them for the Kingdom of God, an eternity with Him. I am not a pastor. I am a storyteller and what you read is from my heart today. The story continues... about dream interpretations in the Bible and destinies, dreams and goals in life.
Monday, April 18, 2011
The Dreams and Destiny of Believers- 3
I've been writing about dreams and or destinies in life. Life is short, but God has our destiny planned since our birth, and yet, he leaves our destiny in our own hands. Some lives are snuffed out sooner because something unforeseen happened. God's plan can be interrupted by an unperceived tragedy in our life.
Case in point, the young 34-year old Youth pastor in Michigan who died with his one-year old son in a house fire. Both died of smoke inhalation - he in the living room, the son upstairs. His wife and two other children were vacationing out East. It was an unknown fire in the basement. He was well loved by the congregation at Crossroads Bible Church. His death untimely? Was the fire divine accident or was it the destiny of the wife and other two children to be saved? We sometimes shorten our own lives before God's plan is realized and yet God welcomes those who pass from mortal life to eternity before the path to our destiny is fulfilled. Was this his destiny - to die so that others might live like Christ? Or was it to remind us that life is fleeting? Is it time to accept Christ as Savior before the unplanned happens to us? Your heart can't work without your mind and soul. The three are companions of life.
Not all of us are Christian's. Some refuse to believe there is a God Almighty and refute the life of Jesus Christ as our Savior. That is there loss and my gain. As Christians we have no right to brow beat unbelievers. In America it's freedom of religion. To believe or disbelieve. We simply must pray for the unseen and trust that they will see that the real 'Light of the World' is faith in Jesus Christ. Many times priests, rabbis, pastors, etc. preach for years to Congregations and it seems to them nobody is growing in the faith. Many see smoke, but no burning fires. They see no sparks and become frustrated thinking that with all the flapping of their lips they don't see any flames or the burning desires to service the church. As a congregational member I can see their frustration when week after week they preach get more involved, but it falls on deaf ears. Churches need plenty of new help - volunteers to fill posts of the 'burned out' who've given of their own time and talents in excess and need a rest. Why?
I think it is because preachers turn religion into a cult where they think it best to put all eyes and hearts on Jesus or God and forget about the mind dreams of parishioners. It is fine to put God and Christ at the head of your own household, but not if it robs the parishioners of their own dreams and goals of life. People who don't strive to reach goals in life or invest time in their own dreams, well, they seem to wander in life as aimlessly lost. They've got nothing to grab onto and never seem to accomplish anything of much useful value. Many times they let parents, friends, associates, colleagues and preachers tell them what they can, should or shouldn't do in life instead of going on a fabulous adventure to find out for themselves. They are afraid to trust what God and Christ has given them - trust in themselves and prayer. Simply put too many dreamers give up on their dreams. Some put too much emphasis on faith rather than understanding that God-given voices and visions rise from dreams. Never ask others to interpret your dreams. They destroy your life. Seek out possibility thinkers.
What others think isn't always important for they will always tell you why your dream is impossible to attain. If it's your dream, vision or prayer never allow them to bury your dreams. It's your dream - not their dream. Never give someone else the chance to destroy your dream or vision. Forget their opinion. What others might believe is wrong you must forget and believe in your ability to reverse that opinion. Don't let anyone beat you into their submissive life style. Discover your own talents and life style. Never let someone else decide your life, because you are afraid of what others might think. Whose life is it - theirs or yours? Be bold - find out!
Dreams are, I believe God-given, but in order to realize a dream they need nourishment and letting friends, parents, associates, etc. decide your life isn't nourishment, but lazy fodder. Without go-go food dreams die. Surround yourself with possibility thinkers - that's what Dr. Shueller, of the Crystal Cathedral in California always preaches. Rise above difficulties and impossibilities - soar like an eagle on eagle's wings. Be aggressive. Trust your own subconscious feelings and you might achieve a lifetime of rewards that others lost. They'll steal your dreams. God and dreams can coexist.
Have you gotten any visions from a dream? Trust your own instinct, the gut-wrenching feelings. Visions in dreams don't always pan out and many dreams die an untimely death from those who don't put forth the effort needed to support the vision. Dreams die because of lack of personal confidence in our own abilities to understand what it is we are trying to achieve. To make dreams succeed rise above the criticisms from others. Dreams are like postage stamps for we must stick to something until we achieve our end goal. Trust that you are right and everyone else is wrong - I mean legally right or wrong. God is the ultimate judge.
Where and what would the world look like today if Bill Gates, the Creator of MicroSoft never followed the voices in his head? He had a dream and despite his father's demands that he get a college education he acted upon his own dream that made him almost the richest man in the world. His father didn't like young Bill spending so much time playing video games. Something clicked in his mind, soul and heart. Bill's dad never believed that anything good would happen without college. Bill went six months or so then when his father went to visit him at the dorm he found out he quit and had started his own software business. Gate's life went ballistic because he followed the gut-wrenching feelings from his dream. His dream caused a revolution that challenges millions of dreams and countless billions of other dreams. Remember dreams are God-given challenges to us. You just need to find the right encourager's to go beyond what others believe is impossible. Our dreams and goals need nourishment. Go in peace. Dreams and destiny of believers continues...
Case in point, the young 34-year old Youth pastor in Michigan who died with his one-year old son in a house fire. Both died of smoke inhalation - he in the living room, the son upstairs. His wife and two other children were vacationing out East. It was an unknown fire in the basement. He was well loved by the congregation at Crossroads Bible Church. His death untimely? Was the fire divine accident or was it the destiny of the wife and other two children to be saved? We sometimes shorten our own lives before God's plan is realized and yet God welcomes those who pass from mortal life to eternity before the path to our destiny is fulfilled. Was this his destiny - to die so that others might live like Christ? Or was it to remind us that life is fleeting? Is it time to accept Christ as Savior before the unplanned happens to us? Your heart can't work without your mind and soul. The three are companions of life.
Not all of us are Christian's. Some refuse to believe there is a God Almighty and refute the life of Jesus Christ as our Savior. That is there loss and my gain. As Christians we have no right to brow beat unbelievers. In America it's freedom of religion. To believe or disbelieve. We simply must pray for the unseen and trust that they will see that the real 'Light of the World' is faith in Jesus Christ. Many times priests, rabbis, pastors, etc. preach for years to Congregations and it seems to them nobody is growing in the faith. Many see smoke, but no burning fires. They see no sparks and become frustrated thinking that with all the flapping of their lips they don't see any flames or the burning desires to service the church. As a congregational member I can see their frustration when week after week they preach get more involved, but it falls on deaf ears. Churches need plenty of new help - volunteers to fill posts of the 'burned out' who've given of their own time and talents in excess and need a rest. Why?
I think it is because preachers turn religion into a cult where they think it best to put all eyes and hearts on Jesus or God and forget about the mind dreams of parishioners. It is fine to put God and Christ at the head of your own household, but not if it robs the parishioners of their own dreams and goals of life. People who don't strive to reach goals in life or invest time in their own dreams, well, they seem to wander in life as aimlessly lost. They've got nothing to grab onto and never seem to accomplish anything of much useful value. Many times they let parents, friends, associates, colleagues and preachers tell them what they can, should or shouldn't do in life instead of going on a fabulous adventure to find out for themselves. They are afraid to trust what God and Christ has given them - trust in themselves and prayer. Simply put too many dreamers give up on their dreams. Some put too much emphasis on faith rather than understanding that God-given voices and visions rise from dreams. Never ask others to interpret your dreams. They destroy your life. Seek out possibility thinkers.
What others think isn't always important for they will always tell you why your dream is impossible to attain. If it's your dream, vision or prayer never allow them to bury your dreams. It's your dream - not their dream. Never give someone else the chance to destroy your dream or vision. Forget their opinion. What others might believe is wrong you must forget and believe in your ability to reverse that opinion. Don't let anyone beat you into their submissive life style. Discover your own talents and life style. Never let someone else decide your life, because you are afraid of what others might think. Whose life is it - theirs or yours? Be bold - find out!
Dreams are, I believe God-given, but in order to realize a dream they need nourishment and letting friends, parents, associates, etc. decide your life isn't nourishment, but lazy fodder. Without go-go food dreams die. Surround yourself with possibility thinkers - that's what Dr. Shueller, of the Crystal Cathedral in California always preaches. Rise above difficulties and impossibilities - soar like an eagle on eagle's wings. Be aggressive. Trust your own subconscious feelings and you might achieve a lifetime of rewards that others lost. They'll steal your dreams. God and dreams can coexist.
Have you gotten any visions from a dream? Trust your own instinct, the gut-wrenching feelings. Visions in dreams don't always pan out and many dreams die an untimely death from those who don't put forth the effort needed to support the vision. Dreams die because of lack of personal confidence in our own abilities to understand what it is we are trying to achieve. To make dreams succeed rise above the criticisms from others. Dreams are like postage stamps for we must stick to something until we achieve our end goal. Trust that you are right and everyone else is wrong - I mean legally right or wrong. God is the ultimate judge.
Where and what would the world look like today if Bill Gates, the Creator of MicroSoft never followed the voices in his head? He had a dream and despite his father's demands that he get a college education he acted upon his own dream that made him almost the richest man in the world. His father didn't like young Bill spending so much time playing video games. Something clicked in his mind, soul and heart. Bill's dad never believed that anything good would happen without college. Bill went six months or so then when his father went to visit him at the dorm he found out he quit and had started his own software business. Gate's life went ballistic because he followed the gut-wrenching feelings from his dream. His dream caused a revolution that challenges millions of dreams and countless billions of other dreams. Remember dreams are God-given challenges to us. You just need to find the right encourager's to go beyond what others believe is impossible. Our dreams and goals need nourishment. Go in peace. Dreams and destiny of believers continues...
Friday, April 1, 2011
The Dreams and Destiny of Believers -2
If my oldest high school teachers were living and if you asked them about me and what I was like in our school days they'd tell you, "I was a big dreamer like Joseph, the Son of Jacob." My mind left the classroom ten minutes after it started." It did. I was floating down the Mississippi River with Huckleberry Fin and Jim on a raft or off exploring with Tom Sawyer. Anyplace was better than listening to boring teachers - but it wasn't the teacher's fault. It was the building contractors fault. Let me explain my rationale'.
It was if my mind went to sleep and I was floating away discovering new things. I wasn't visited by alien beings from outer space, but it was my bodies way of overcoming the allergens in our new school. It wasn't until twenty years after high school during genetic testing we found out I was allergic to minute particles of formaldehyde poisoning. That's below minimum levels detectable by environmental testing equipment. Formaldehyde is in everything under the sun, it still is, and the warning signs of formaldehyde allergens are warming cheeks, difficulty breathing and loss of concentration and confusion. High levels of formaldehyde gave me excessive migraine headaches within twenty minutes. It short circuited brain cells making it difficult to focus on studies. Trying to remember in excruiciating pain made learning impossible. I was physically and mentally "tripping" on formaldehyde fumes like a drug addict. Learning how to avoid this addiction has taken another twenty-five years. Learning how to avoid it, well that's the cure. It is extremely difficult since formaldehyde is everywhere you go.
Despite what you might think just because a person dreams in class doesn't mean we stop learning valuable lessons. The brain still records what is being said, but puts it in different context. Persons in a coma are locked in dreams. Time spent is no longer a constant. They can understand the chatter of those talking around them. That's why its important for people to talk nicely with respect to those in a coma or sleeping. Talking stimulates the brain cells that repair damage. Those in a coma may awaken with the snap of a finger.
I still do lots of dreaming like Joseph, the son of Jacob, but his character is for another time. In dreams we can recall the good as well as the not so good remembrances of our life. I had another dream lately. I've been remembering my days at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. Spent four years in the ward. Recently I went back to the old place to buy a new leg brace. The old one has lasted fifteen years and the springs were exiting the brace material when I exercised riding a cycle at the gym. The other night I felt like Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), when he was running away from childhood bullies, the rods in his leg braces flying off.
Well I returned to the hospital this week. My reoccurring dream has been pestering me to return. My wife had previously found several other numbers, but I said "How about the brace shop." She dialed the number at MFBH and I got an appointment within 18 hours. Have you ever gotten a non-emergency doctor visit in 18 hours? It was dream destiny. I obeyed the gremlin in my mind. It said return to the brace shop at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. I walked in the door and bypassed the historical display cabinet. It was filled with old pictures of structures over more than 100 years. I didn't tarry, but left for my scheduled appointment.
Upon returning I by passed the historical display, but when going outside the gremlin said, "Go back, something inside the cabinet you need to see." I obeyed the voice. The first picture my eyes saw was "two nun nurses sitting at a table with a clustering of several of my ward friends." That photo was taken in the early 1950's. I was standing between the two nurses. My how time flies. I could remember all the names of the patients, but not the nurses. Fifty-six years had passed, but could still recall their voices from the past.
Was the voice I obeyed to return to the cabinet one of destiny or was it the living God, the God I believe in making sure I had rekindled an old memory from the past. I remembered my roots. How about you? Do you listen to what is being said in your dreams? Do you obey the voice or do you cast it off because you are afraid to explore your dream or afraid of what others might think. Never allow life to rob you of dreams. Many people and circumstances in life rob our dreams. Dreams are God given, but they need to be nourished. Listening to the voice in the dream is food that yields great rewards. Not all yield fruit.
In II Kings 17: 21-22, in the Holy Bible it says that Elijah cried to the Lord (in reference to the widow's son brought to life), "O Lord my God, let this child's soul come to him again. The Lord listened to the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived".
Walking together Elisha (meaning, God is Salvation) asked Elijah (meaning My God is Jehovah) for double-shares of your spirit. As they walked a chariot of fire and horses passed between them and Elijah was swirled up by the passing whirlwind into Heaven. This wasn't a dream, but Elisha was impressed by the power of God to raise Elijah. Elisha may have been more powerful than Elijah, but Elijah is mentioned more than 27 times in the New Testament. God does listen to our prayers. But, I think too many times those asking the prayer are beating their drums so loudly they fail to listen or hear what can be told in dreams. Many dreams aren't practical, but do trust what the dream says. Trust the dream. Listen to the visions and voices in dreams. Follow what your heart and mind tells you to do, but don't listen to those who will try to destroy what your dreams tell you. Till next time, "Keep on dreaming and may all your dream come true."
It was if my mind went to sleep and I was floating away discovering new things. I wasn't visited by alien beings from outer space, but it was my bodies way of overcoming the allergens in our new school. It wasn't until twenty years after high school during genetic testing we found out I was allergic to minute particles of formaldehyde poisoning. That's below minimum levels detectable by environmental testing equipment. Formaldehyde is in everything under the sun, it still is, and the warning signs of formaldehyde allergens are warming cheeks, difficulty breathing and loss of concentration and confusion. High levels of formaldehyde gave me excessive migraine headaches within twenty minutes. It short circuited brain cells making it difficult to focus on studies. Trying to remember in excruiciating pain made learning impossible. I was physically and mentally "tripping" on formaldehyde fumes like a drug addict. Learning how to avoid this addiction has taken another twenty-five years. Learning how to avoid it, well that's the cure. It is extremely difficult since formaldehyde is everywhere you go.
Despite what you might think just because a person dreams in class doesn't mean we stop learning valuable lessons. The brain still records what is being said, but puts it in different context. Persons in a coma are locked in dreams. Time spent is no longer a constant. They can understand the chatter of those talking around them. That's why its important for people to talk nicely with respect to those in a coma or sleeping. Talking stimulates the brain cells that repair damage. Those in a coma may awaken with the snap of a finger.
I still do lots of dreaming like Joseph, the son of Jacob, but his character is for another time. In dreams we can recall the good as well as the not so good remembrances of our life. I had another dream lately. I've been remembering my days at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. Spent four years in the ward. Recently I went back to the old place to buy a new leg brace. The old one has lasted fifteen years and the springs were exiting the brace material when I exercised riding a cycle at the gym. The other night I felt like Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), when he was running away from childhood bullies, the rods in his leg braces flying off.
Well I returned to the hospital this week. My reoccurring dream has been pestering me to return. My wife had previously found several other numbers, but I said "How about the brace shop." She dialed the number at MFBH and I got an appointment within 18 hours. Have you ever gotten a non-emergency doctor visit in 18 hours? It was dream destiny. I obeyed the gremlin in my mind. It said return to the brace shop at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. I walked in the door and bypassed the historical display cabinet. It was filled with old pictures of structures over more than 100 years. I didn't tarry, but left for my scheduled appointment.
Upon returning I by passed the historical display, but when going outside the gremlin said, "Go back, something inside the cabinet you need to see." I obeyed the voice. The first picture my eyes saw was "two nun nurses sitting at a table with a clustering of several of my ward friends." That photo was taken in the early 1950's. I was standing between the two nurses. My how time flies. I could remember all the names of the patients, but not the nurses. Fifty-six years had passed, but could still recall their voices from the past.
Was the voice I obeyed to return to the cabinet one of destiny or was it the living God, the God I believe in making sure I had rekindled an old memory from the past. I remembered my roots. How about you? Do you listen to what is being said in your dreams? Do you obey the voice or do you cast it off because you are afraid to explore your dream or afraid of what others might think. Never allow life to rob you of dreams. Many people and circumstances in life rob our dreams. Dreams are God given, but they need to be nourished. Listening to the voice in the dream is food that yields great rewards. Not all yield fruit.
In II Kings 17: 21-22, in the Holy Bible it says that Elijah cried to the Lord (in reference to the widow's son brought to life), "O Lord my God, let this child's soul come to him again. The Lord listened to the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived".
Walking together Elisha (meaning, God is Salvation) asked Elijah (meaning My God is Jehovah) for double-shares of your spirit. As they walked a chariot of fire and horses passed between them and Elijah was swirled up by the passing whirlwind into Heaven. This wasn't a dream, but Elisha was impressed by the power of God to raise Elijah. Elisha may have been more powerful than Elijah, but Elijah is mentioned more than 27 times in the New Testament. God does listen to our prayers. But, I think too many times those asking the prayer are beating their drums so loudly they fail to listen or hear what can be told in dreams. Many dreams aren't practical, but do trust what the dream says. Trust the dream. Listen to the visions and voices in dreams. Follow what your heart and mind tells you to do, but don't listen to those who will try to destroy what your dreams tell you. Till next time, "Keep on dreaming and may all your dream come true."
Monday, February 28, 2011
The Dreams and Destiny of Believers
I believe in the existence of angels, spirits and God's use of visions and voices coming in dreams. This is the destiny of any person who believes that God is the giver of our destiny at birth. God uses our dreams as a platform for answering our prayers that's if we choose to listen to his commands. These are special gifts given from Him. Angels and spirits shape our destiny. Through them we can recall what is said in our dreams. Any religious person who believes in God or Jesus Christ must believe that our prayer concerns can be answered thru dreams.
Whether angels or spirits are real depends on what we believe as individuals. They can be real or imaginary, but how the visions and voices appears determines our destiny in life. Some angels and spirits are good, but some leaves us with bad vibes (ghosts), that are both good and evil, too. Bad vibes are the least personally shared with others for as humans we are afraid of what other Christians or friends might view as devil thinking. Bad spirits can awaken our curiosity, but a few people go off the deep end and use what we say for ghost entertainment to shock an awe paranormal activity.
Personally I'm not afraid of ghost or witches for God stands beside me or with me, but some people are superstitious and don't even want to meet a ghost, witch let alone a spirit. How about the Holy Spirit?
If I remember my Bible teachings I think it was JOB who had a nerve-wracking visit by a spirit or Holy Ghost and his description of it might shake up anyone when he said, 'Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake. Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up.' Paul later called Saul in ACTS 9:3 said, "A brilliant light from heaven spotted down upon me surrounding my every being and I heard a voice" saying "Paul, Paul! Why are you persecuting me?"
Paul couldn't believe it might be Jesus as he weakly asked, "Who is speaking, Sir?" The voice replied back, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!" The men with Paul stood speechless with surprise for they heard the sound of someone's voice, but saw no one! Paul stood up and to his surprise he was blind from the intense light and the spirit told him to have his men take him to Damascus and stay at Judas' house and wait praying for Jesus had given Paul a vision of Ananias laying hands upon him to return his sight. The "Holy Spirit of the Lord who appeared on the road has sent me to fill you with the Holy Spirit and return they sight."
Paul [Saul] was on fire after that miracle for the Lord's kingdom. He couldn't wait to tell anyone the good news. Job was surprised unwittingly by the Holy Spirit' visit. Other Biblical references to ghosts include the witch of Endor who conjured up the spirit of Samuel who warned King Saul of the Philistines defeat. Brutus was haunted by the ghost of Caesar whose assassination he plotted. Sitting in his tent alone Brutus was confronted by another a spirit of 'horrifying' dimensions with a 'pale, emaciated face' that announced 'I am your evil spirit.' It said, 'You will see me again at Philippi' and it did the night before Brutus was slain on the battlefield at Philippi. The Bible is no stranger to ghost sightings - visual or voices.
Ghosts, those spirit beings of the dead continually rise to haunt the living and even today they have fascinated those of the world who try to understand them. Ghost hunters try to capture the apparitions on infrared film or with EMF equipment (electromagnetic field) meters. Sometimes the voices of spirits can be heard as they roam around us. Those who study such paranormal activity believe that certain events or people from past civilizations leave an imprint of themselves based upon strong emotions left behind or violence [an echo from the past] from murders, killings and misery that can last for centuries. Some theorize that the whole of the past is somewhere recorded in space time as though imprinted on film. It's sort of like a momentary time-warp giving us a quick glimpse of the past in rerun form.
In Brutus' encounter with the evil ghost it brought him a dire warning. That ghost was his harbinger of doom, but not all warnings conveyed by ghosts or apparitions bring harm. Listening to the voices or visions can save lives, too, and I've been visited in my dreams with voices telling me to heed the warnings. I've only heard voices and I obeyed the command, but many of my friends have not feared the dire warnings coming in their dreams, too. Ghosts appear before anyone and warn us of impending disaster or relief from a disaster, but it is how we interpret what is revealed in our dreams that determines if we survive or die. Ghost ships have been seen sailing out of fog banks and many ghosts have been seen and heard in castles, houses, ships and old mansions.
King Henry VIII had six wives, but Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard were beheaded, and both of their ghosts haunt the Chapel Royal to this day. Anne Boleyn, Henry's second wife wanders the corridors as a miserable soul in her blue dress. Catherine Howard, who had an adulterous affair, his fifth wife is the palace's noisiest ghost. She has been seen and heard numerous times running and screaming along the long gallery hallway leading to the Chapel Royal door in an attempt to save herself from King Henry's wrath.
Jane Seymour, his third wife died giving birth to Henry's first son, well she has appeared from the Queen's apartment dressed in white carrying a lighted candle as she walks along the Silver Stick Gallery and down the stairs. The baby prince was cared for by Mistress Sibell Penn, his nurse and she appears as a thin, hooded figure in a grey robe that is occasionally seen walking thru walls. Elizabeth I has been seen in the library and King Charles I (beheaded in 1649) too in the Library. King Henry VIII, the master facilitator of all the Chapel Royal ghosts, well his own ghost was seen in 1977 walking the battlements and disappearing into the wall. King Henry's realm was ruled by violence and misery.
Many people today are superstitious when it comes to ghost sightings. Either believe or disbelieve, but ghosts do and will appear from time to time. Some people say my halo flickers from time to time and I'm not dead yet. I'm not quite an angel, but for all intense purposes I'm neither the devil, too. I love to flirt and tease. I put humor in life to make others smile.
I do believe that angels and spirits can talk and watch over us, but other than that they do not have the power to physically intervene in our lives, but I believe they can and do affect outcomes by how we interpret our dreams. We change our destiny seen and heard. The outcomes in our lives are dependent on whether we turn our dreams into reality or pre-destination. We seemingly arrive in time with a God inspired appointment with destiny.
The next several blogs will deal with dreams and destinies of several individuals in my life. You might be surprised at what you'll learn from examples of dream destinies.
Whether angels or spirits are real depends on what we believe as individuals. They can be real or imaginary, but how the visions and voices appears determines our destiny in life. Some angels and spirits are good, but some leaves us with bad vibes (ghosts), that are both good and evil, too. Bad vibes are the least personally shared with others for as humans we are afraid of what other Christians or friends might view as devil thinking. Bad spirits can awaken our curiosity, but a few people go off the deep end and use what we say for ghost entertainment to shock an awe paranormal activity.
Personally I'm not afraid of ghost or witches for God stands beside me or with me, but some people are superstitious and don't even want to meet a ghost, witch let alone a spirit. How about the Holy Spirit?
If I remember my Bible teachings I think it was JOB who had a nerve-wracking visit by a spirit or Holy Ghost and his description of it might shake up anyone when he said, 'Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake. Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up.' Paul later called Saul in ACTS 9:3 said, "A brilliant light from heaven spotted down upon me surrounding my every being and I heard a voice" saying "Paul, Paul! Why are you persecuting me?"
Paul couldn't believe it might be Jesus as he weakly asked, "Who is speaking, Sir?" The voice replied back, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!" The men with Paul stood speechless with surprise for they heard the sound of someone's voice, but saw no one! Paul stood up and to his surprise he was blind from the intense light and the spirit told him to have his men take him to Damascus and stay at Judas' house and wait praying for Jesus had given Paul a vision of Ananias laying hands upon him to return his sight. The "Holy Spirit of the Lord who appeared on the road has sent me to fill you with the Holy Spirit and return they sight."
Paul [Saul] was on fire after that miracle for the Lord's kingdom. He couldn't wait to tell anyone the good news. Job was surprised unwittingly by the Holy Spirit' visit. Other Biblical references to ghosts include the witch of Endor who conjured up the spirit of Samuel who warned King Saul of the Philistines defeat. Brutus was haunted by the ghost of Caesar whose assassination he plotted. Sitting in his tent alone Brutus was confronted by another a spirit of 'horrifying' dimensions with a 'pale, emaciated face' that announced 'I am your evil spirit.' It said, 'You will see me again at Philippi' and it did the night before Brutus was slain on the battlefield at Philippi. The Bible is no stranger to ghost sightings - visual or voices.
Ghosts, those spirit beings of the dead continually rise to haunt the living and even today they have fascinated those of the world who try to understand them. Ghost hunters try to capture the apparitions on infrared film or with EMF equipment (electromagnetic field) meters. Sometimes the voices of spirits can be heard as they roam around us. Those who study such paranormal activity believe that certain events or people from past civilizations leave an imprint of themselves based upon strong emotions left behind or violence [an echo from the past] from murders, killings and misery that can last for centuries. Some theorize that the whole of the past is somewhere recorded in space time as though imprinted on film. It's sort of like a momentary time-warp giving us a quick glimpse of the past in rerun form.
In Brutus' encounter with the evil ghost it brought him a dire warning. That ghost was his harbinger of doom, but not all warnings conveyed by ghosts or apparitions bring harm. Listening to the voices or visions can save lives, too, and I've been visited in my dreams with voices telling me to heed the warnings. I've only heard voices and I obeyed the command, but many of my friends have not feared the dire warnings coming in their dreams, too. Ghosts appear before anyone and warn us of impending disaster or relief from a disaster, but it is how we interpret what is revealed in our dreams that determines if we survive or die. Ghost ships have been seen sailing out of fog banks and many ghosts have been seen and heard in castles, houses, ships and old mansions.
King Henry VIII had six wives, but Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard were beheaded, and both of their ghosts haunt the Chapel Royal to this day. Anne Boleyn, Henry's second wife wanders the corridors as a miserable soul in her blue dress. Catherine Howard, who had an adulterous affair, his fifth wife is the palace's noisiest ghost. She has been seen and heard numerous times running and screaming along the long gallery hallway leading to the Chapel Royal door in an attempt to save herself from King Henry's wrath.
Jane Seymour, his third wife died giving birth to Henry's first son, well she has appeared from the Queen's apartment dressed in white carrying a lighted candle as she walks along the Silver Stick Gallery and down the stairs. The baby prince was cared for by Mistress Sibell Penn, his nurse and she appears as a thin, hooded figure in a grey robe that is occasionally seen walking thru walls. Elizabeth I has been seen in the library and King Charles I (beheaded in 1649) too in the Library. King Henry VIII, the master facilitator of all the Chapel Royal ghosts, well his own ghost was seen in 1977 walking the battlements and disappearing into the wall. King Henry's realm was ruled by violence and misery.
Many people today are superstitious when it comes to ghost sightings. Either believe or disbelieve, but ghosts do and will appear from time to time. Some people say my halo flickers from time to time and I'm not dead yet. I'm not quite an angel, but for all intense purposes I'm neither the devil, too. I love to flirt and tease. I put humor in life to make others smile.
I do believe that angels and spirits can talk and watch over us, but other than that they do not have the power to physically intervene in our lives, but I believe they can and do affect outcomes by how we interpret our dreams. We change our destiny seen and heard. The outcomes in our lives are dependent on whether we turn our dreams into reality or pre-destination. We seemingly arrive in time with a God inspired appointment with destiny.
The next several blogs will deal with dreams and destinies of several individuals in my life. You might be surprised at what you'll learn from examples of dream destinies.
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